Weekend in Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Weekend in Bhaktapur Durbar Square

The smallest district of whole Nepal, Bhaktapur, does not seem small in terms of ancient culture, arts, crafts, architecture and heritages at all. This place is known as the Cultural Capital of Nepal. I had heard a lot about its Gaijatra Festival, Bisket Jatra and many more. I had heard a lot about Bhaktapur but had not got chance to visit this holy city. So this weekend me and some of my friends decided to spent the weekend in Bhaktapur. 

55 windowed Palace alonside Golden Gate

Bhaktapur Durbar Square was our first destination and we found it an accessible place from Kathmandu. It is about 8-9 kilometers far from Koteshwor. After getting off at Dudhpati, first we entered the Siddha Pokhari Premise and were shocked by the Pond looking at its size. Also the remembrable moment was feeding the fish. We got to know that there were seven well inside the pond and therefore the reason why this Pond never dried up. After making a round around the Pond, we had to walk upto the Square for about 10 minutes. We got to know that there was an office where the foreign tourists got the permit to visit Bhaktapur and thanked God as we did not have to pay a dime.

Golden Gate(one of the major attractions of Bhaktapur Durbar Square)

We were welcomed by the huge Entrance Gate to the Square. At the entrance we noticed a huge Shiva Linga which seemed quite attractive and also two storeyed Pagoda Temple which was a great piece of Art. The carvings and statues were magnificent. Then we explored Golden Gate. We thought it to be made of real Gold but to our disappointment it was just the Golden-coating. We got to learn that this Golden Gate was built with the aid of German Government. Inside the Golden Gate we found place where Queen and others took bathe in ancient time along with temple inside where only Hindus were allowed to enter and of course taking pictures was strictly prohibited.

Naag Pokhari inside Golden Gate

After the tour of inside premises of Golden Gate, we were pleased to see the huge Barking Bell. A belief was popular there that the barking bell was used to invite all Bhaktapurians in ancient time and also all the dogs barked because of the sound of the bell. Then we visited the Pashupati Temple which was also built in Pagoda Style. We were simply amazed by the beauty of 55 windowed Palace and also sad because we did not get to enter the Palace as it is open only on Tuesdays.

Other Places of Bhaktapur

Nyatapola Temple

Bhakatpur is an ancient cultural city and has many things to offer. Not only Bhaktapur Durbar Square but there are other several attractions which every visitor to Bhaktapur should pay a visit at least once. Taumadi Square is close to Bhaktapur Durbar Square where we can find one and only Nyatapola Temple( 5 Storeyed Temple). Similarly Dattatriya Temple is present to the north-east of Bhaktapur Durbar Square where prayers are offered by Women during fasting on Mondays and the Teej Festival.

Oldest Temple of Nepal, Changunarayan Temple, is located 8 kilometers far from Bhaktapur which is a must place to visit. The Last but not the least the scenic view of heavenly snow capped mountains to the north is the thing hardly anyone wants to miss. 

Therefore a visit to Bhaktapur was one of the great experiences and with a promise to return again, we bade farewell to Bhaktapur.